In a juvenile dependency matter, a child is the subject of the case. These can involve a number of different situations. Most often, though, the matter arises when someone expresses and reports concern over a child's well-being to the Department of Human Resources. This may be done by a relative, neighbor, friend, or teacher of a child, or by law enforcement, such as when a parent or guardian has been arrested. The concern expressed can vary from reports of abuse, neglect, or anything the person reporting deems inappropriate. Usually a social worker from the Department of Human Resources is assigned to the child and his or her siblings, if any. The child may be taken from his or her home and placed with a foster home, relative, or other approve residence, or simply remain in his or her home while a social worker retains some authority over the child and his or her parent/guardian. The court will appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL), which is an attorney who represents the child's interest's only, and will likely visit the child and get to know him or her on a personal level. The GAL makes recommendations to the court as to the child's overall best interests and needs. However, no court is bound by these recommendations.

Almost anyone expressing interest in the child's custody may have their own attorney to represent those interests. The child's mother, father, custodian (person with current physical custody), and petitioner (person asking the court to make a determination about the child) are the most common persons represented by attorneys in a juvenile dependency matter.  Our attorneys have experience representing the mother, father, and child in these type matters.  Contact us today by phone or submit a free case evaluation form.